tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79957459133299871852016-09-08T00:34:45.723-04:00ListeningChristie S.E. Blackwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13921171697698275818noreply@blogger.comBlogger77125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995745913329987185.post-88962660048330031262014-06-03T22:51:00.000-04:002014-06-03T22:51:12.048-04:00Not for A Moment<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dAtVcnAbeYw/U46ATL7OOLI/AAAAAAAAAdc/6a1eulXlIxU/s1600/2681_79019097132_4223617_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dAtVcnAbeYw/U46ATL7OOLI/AAAAAAAAAdc/6a1eulXlIxU/s1600/2681_79019097132_4223617_n.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></div><br />This is me and my 2nd born. &nbsp;Little Samuel. &nbsp;Sweet thing. &nbsp;It wasn't too long after this photo, a few months later, a few little teeth later, the learning of one little word later…'mama', that he would start crying as soon as he realized I had left a room. &nbsp;Not just a <i>whining-come back-I'm bored</i> cry but a <i>heart-breaking, belly-deep, where's-my-mama, she's-never-coming-back</i> cry. &nbsp;"Mama-mama-mama" he would sob, as I quickly shoved the laundry in the dryer. &nbsp;It broke my heart to consider that in his baby-thinking, Mama might not be returning. &nbsp;I would rush back upstairs to pick up my little red-faced, tear-stained baby, soothing him with "Shhh...baby, Mama is here. Mama is here. &nbsp;Mama would never leave you." &nbsp;It wouldn't be long before his sobs would quiet and his chin would stop quivering and all would be right with the world again. <br /><br />There's been seasons in my life where I've been much like a little Samuel. <br /><br />"God? &nbsp;Where are You?"<br />"God? &nbsp;Have You left me?" <br />"God? &nbsp;Where did You go?"<br /><br />My heart has cried out for Him but all I felt was silence. <br />I have longed for just one word from Him and nothing. <br />And I wondered if He had deserted me. <br /><br />David wondered the same thing. &nbsp;Quite often. &nbsp;Read through the Psalms and you can see how many times David asked God; "Why have You forsaken me?" <br /><br />Like a little Samuel, if we can't sense Him for a season, we think that He has gone from us, that He might never return. <br /><br />Can I reassure you about something? &nbsp;Can I reassure myself (!) about something? <br />He promised NEVER to leave His children or forsake them.<br />His silence does not mean His absence. <br />Learn from David's experience…<br /><i>"For I said in my haste, 'I am cut off before Your eyes;' (sound familiar?)</i><br /><i>Nevertheless, You heard the voice of my supplications</i><br /><i>when I cried out to You."</i> &nbsp;(Psalms 31:22)<br /><br />God hears you.<br />He loves you.<br />He is planning your future.<br />He is working all things out for your good.<br />He is arranging things you don't even know about.<br />He is with you. <br /><br />Here's a song that a friend sent to me today. &nbsp;"Not for a Moment" <br />Not for a moment has He left you friend.<br /><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/BjVLkmLL6DY" width="560"></iframe><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Christie S.E. Blackwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13921171697698275818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995745913329987185.post-45105178670305696132014-03-14T16:00:00.002-04:002014-03-14T16:24:25.424-04:00Out of ControlWhen I was younger I loved Laura Ingalls Wilder's book series, "Little House on the Prairie". &nbsp;I especially liked her book, "The Long Winter". &nbsp;Well, Winter 2014 certainly has been a long winter (though I wouldn't start complaining too much, unlike Laura's family, we haven't had to resort to a diet solely of potatoes...yet). Winter is not that bad if you really get into it..sledding, snowshoeing, ice skating, hiking and snowmobiling. &nbsp;I enjoy all those sports except for one - sledding. <br />I can abide sledding as long as the conditions are ideal. &nbsp;Meaning, long, low hill with no obstacles or bumps along the way. &nbsp;I like being in control. &nbsp;Sledding seems so out of control to me. &nbsp;Snowshoeing - control. &nbsp;Sledding - no brakes. &nbsp;Ice skating - control (well, if you can skate). &nbsp;Sledding - crazy speed. &nbsp;Hiking - control. &nbsp;Sledding - &nbsp;trees! &nbsp;Snowmobiling - control. &nbsp;Sledding - ending up on a bay with breaking ice (o.k..so that may be original to where I grew up). <br />I feel safe when I am in control. &nbsp;Throw some unexpected obstacles at me or give me a life going at a speed that's too fast, and I don't feel so safe anymore. <br />However, the reality is that in this world I will have many obstacles. &nbsp;The Bible even tells me so.."In this world you will have trouble" (John 16:33). &nbsp;It may be a relationship gone wrong, loss of a job, a health issue, sending your child to school. &nbsp;Any number of things that can make us feel that we are not as in control as we thought. <br />So, what do we do? &nbsp;Jesus very plainly encourages us in His next breath..."In this world you will have trouble, BUT TAKE HEART, I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). &nbsp;It is Jesus who is ultimately in control and has ultimately overcome all of those obstacles for us. &nbsp;We don't know the future, we don't know what His perfect plan may be, but we can hang our hats on this; He told us to TAKE HEART, or be of good cheer because He has gone before us and handled everything already. &nbsp;It may seem a long way coming, and we may not make any sense of it right now, but your life is in His loving control.<br /><br />Take heart dear friends. &nbsp;Always, take heart.Christie S.E. Blackwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13921171697698275818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995745913329987185.post-90487871832933211072013-06-05T20:50:00.002-04:002013-06-05T20:57:13.694-04:00Just call me Hulk Hogan...I grew up watching WWF with my dad.&nbsp; Yes, I can tell you all about the Macho Man, Randy Savage&nbsp;and the Ultimate Warrior and of course, Hulk Hogan.&nbsp; I can even remember The Undertaaaaaaker" (eww).&nbsp; I'm not much into&nbsp;wrestling any more.&nbsp;&nbsp;However,&nbsp;living in a house with 3 boys, 1 man and 1 male dog...it seems to inevitably be a part of my life.&nbsp; The daily evening ritual&nbsp;tends to be an all&nbsp;out wrestling match on the rug with three little boys and their dad.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OYAEJ1KA4SI/Ua_ctuud00I/AAAAAAAAAck/-NKy5x7cWX4/s1600/304297_10151022672237133_1517227985_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OYAEJ1KA4SI/Ua_ctuud00I/AAAAAAAAAck/-NKy5x7cWX4/s320/304297_10151022672237133_1517227985_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />&nbsp;The dog&nbsp;stands around and&nbsp;drops a slobbery squeaky ball in the midst of them occasionally.&nbsp; I tend to stay out of these matches (unless provoked of course :).&nbsp; However, as of late, me and&nbsp;baby boy&nbsp;have been having our own&nbsp;WWF.&nbsp; He does not want to change his diaper.&nbsp;&nbsp;I'll lay him down and he'll squiggle and squirm and&nbsp;try to roll over and kick his pants off at the same time.&nbsp; While I dodge legs and arms and...um...diaper contents...I&nbsp;try to gently tell him that if he would just stay still for 8 seconds I could quickly be done and he could be on his way - off to smear peanut butter on&nbsp;my other couch.&nbsp;&nbsp; Instead, he wrestles and cries and complains and make&nbsp;the process a whole lot longer.<br />I sometimes wonder if I do&nbsp;this with God.&nbsp; Do I wrestle and writhe and complain when He's trying to clean me up?&nbsp; Do I kick and scream when I have to just be still for a moment?&nbsp; Is He just saying,&nbsp;gently; "Be patient, it will&nbsp;be over sooner if you just be still and trust'?.&nbsp; <br />In&nbsp;Isaiah 30, we see&nbsp;the Lord in a 'wrestling' match with His children;<br /><br /><div class="top-05"><span class="text Isa-30-15" id="en-NIV-18233"><sup class="versenum">15 </sup>This is what the Sovereign<sup class="crossreference" value="(&lt;a href=&quot;#cen-NIV-18233AR&quot; title=&quot;See cross-reference AR&quot;&gt;AR&lt;/a&gt;)"></sup> <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, the Holy One<sup class="crossreference" value="(&lt;a href=&quot;#cen-NIV-18233AS&quot; title=&quot;See cross-reference AS&quot;&gt;AS&lt;/a&gt;)"></sup> of Israel, says:</span></div><div class="poetry top-05"><div class="line"><span class="text Isa-30-15">“In repentance and rest<sup class="crossreference" value="(&lt;a href=&quot;#cen-NIV-18233AT&quot; title=&quot;See cross-reference AT&quot;&gt;AT&lt;/a&gt;)"></sup> is your salvation,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Isa-30-15">in quietness and trust<sup class="crossreference" value="(&lt;a href=&quot;#cen-NIV-18233AU&quot; title=&quot;See cross-reference AU&quot;&gt;AU&lt;/a&gt;)"></sup> is your strength,</span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Isa-30-15">but you would have none of it."</span></span></div><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Isa-30-15"></span></span><br /></div><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Isa-30-15"><sup class="crossreference" value="(&lt;a href=&quot;#cen-NIV-18233AV&quot; title=&quot;See cross-reference AV&quot;&gt;AV&lt;/a&gt;)"></sup></span></span><br /><div class="line"><br />Oh yes, there are times when I will have none of it.&nbsp; Just depending on my own strength and letting fears and anxieties drive away quietness and trust.&nbsp; </div><div class="line">&nbsp;</div><div class="line">Then He so graciously says;</div><div class="line">&nbsp;</div><div class="line"><sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">"18 </span></sup>Yet the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> longs<sup class="crossreference" value="(&lt;a href=&quot;#cen-NIV-18236BC&quot; title=&quot;See cross-reference BC&quot;&gt;BC&lt;/a&gt;)"></sup> to be gracious to you;<br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Isa-30-18">therefore he will rise up to show you compassion.<sup class="crossreference" value="(&lt;a href=&quot;#cen-NIV-18236BD&quot; title=&quot;See cross-reference BD&quot;&gt;BD&lt;/a&gt;)"></sup></span></span><br /><span class="text Isa-30-18">For the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> is a God of justice.<sup class="crossreference" value="(&lt;a href=&quot;#cen-NIV-18236BE&quot; title=&quot;See cross-reference BE&quot;&gt;BE&lt;/a&gt;)"></sup></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Isa-30-18">Blessed are all who wait for him!"</span></span></div><div class="line"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Isa-30-18">&nbsp;</span></span></div><div class="line"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Isa-30-18"><em>Lord, I pray that I will cease to struggle against you and wait patiently on you.&nbsp; You long to be gracious to me and to rise up and show me compassion.&nbsp; What a blessing this could be as I stop wrestling.&nbsp;</em></span></span></div><div class="line"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Isa-30-18"><em></em></span></span>&nbsp;</div><div class="line"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Isa-30-18">Blessings Friends&nbsp;</span></span></div><div class="line"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Isa-30-18"></span></span>&nbsp;</div><div class="line"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Isa-30-18"></span></span>&nbsp;</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2-G-9ImIflE/Ua_aHnc_PdI/AAAAAAAAAcU/7jHPDwDivMw/s1600/DSCF0412.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2-G-9ImIflE/Ua_aHnc_PdI/AAAAAAAAAcU/7jHPDwDivMw/s400/DSCF0412.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is me at my wrestling finest...and the little culprit in the diaper...:)</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="line">&nbsp;</div>Christie S.E. Blackwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13921171697698275818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995745913329987185.post-40103302938323935362013-02-17T17:11:00.000-05:002013-02-17T17:11:00.976-05:00Warrior PrincessAnyone remember Xena?&nbsp; <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vC5IiiZDY6c/USFVHgqmb7I/AAAAAAAAAZo/ndtHA3qPQoE/s1600/Xena_of_Amphipolis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vC5IiiZDY6c/USFVHgqmb7I/AAAAAAAAAZo/ndtHA3qPQoE/s320/Xena_of_Amphipolis.jpg" width="251" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j9uPZHHsKcE/USFVJAM5RjI/AAAAAAAAAZw/P9HZAJyd0Ps/s320/sheRa.gif" width="244" />Or how about She-Ra?&nbsp; </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As a little girl, I thought their courage was pretty cool.&nbsp; I mean, I loved my Barbies and all but there's something about a fearless girl standing up to the enemy.&nbsp; Hair blowing in the wind, chin held high, face set, hands gripping her weapon.&nbsp; </div>I have to admit, as much as I admire these princess warriors, I am a&nbsp;reluctant one myself.&nbsp; I don't mind the fight if it's an exhilarating new challenge kind of fight.&nbsp; I don't even mind it too much if it's a keep your patience while your children are using your folded laundry for a fort kind of fight.&nbsp; It's when the fight gets intense, confusing, hard...that's when I don't feel so much like a warrior.&nbsp; I just 'feel' like digging a hole and hiding.<br />But listen to what Timothy said;<br /><br /><em>"Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses (1 Timothy 6:12)."</em><br /><em></em><br />A few weeks ago my father-in-law summed up what Timothy wrote when he&nbsp;said these two statements to me; "Remember, it's a fight. And it's a good fight."<br /><br />It kind of called out a little warrior princess in me.&nbsp; Who am I to expect that the fight would always be a 'fun' one.&nbsp; Battles have times of rest, times of exciting challenge but also times of outright, intense, teeth clenching, barely&nbsp;able to keep your shield up fighting.&nbsp; So should&nbsp;I be surprised when God&nbsp;allows&nbsp;the battle for my life, my eternity,&nbsp;to become intense?&nbsp; Not so much.&nbsp; We do have an enemy who is fighting to pull us from God's grip, from abundant life in Him.&nbsp; Ephesians 6 describes or battle;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />&nbsp;"<a href="http://bible.cc/ephesians/6-10.htm" style="color: #001320; text-decoration: none;"><em><span class="reftext"><b>10</b></span>Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.</em></a><a href="http://bible.cc/ephesians/6-11.htm" style="color: #001320; text-decoration: none;"><em><span class="reftext"><b>11</b></span>Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.</em></a><a href="http://bible.cc/ephesians/6-12.htm" style="color: #001320; text-decoration: none;"><em><span class="reftext"><b>12</b></span>For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.</em></a><a href="http://bible.cc/ephesians/6-13.htm" style="color: #001320; text-decoration: none;"><em><span class="reftext"><b>13</b></span>Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.</em></a><a href="http://bible.cc/ephesians/6-14.htm" style="color: #001320; text-decoration: none;"><em><span class="reftext"><b>14</b></span>Stand firm therefore, <span style="color: #001321;">HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH</span>, and <span style="color: #001321;">HAVING</span> <span style="color: #001321;">PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS</span>,</em></a><a href="http://bible.cc/ephesians/6-15.htm" style="color: #001320; text-decoration: none;"><em><span class="reftext"><b>15</b></span>and having shod <span style="color: #001321;">YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE</span>;</em></a><a href="http://bible.cc/ephesians/6-16.htm" style="color: #001320; text-decoration: none;"><em><span class="reftext"><b>16</b></span>in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.</em></a><a href="http://bible.cc/ephesians/6-17.htm" style="color: #001320; text-decoration: none;"><em><span class="reftext"><b>17</b></span>And take <span style="color: #001321;">THE HELMET OF SALVATION</span>, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.</em></a>"<br /><br />So, don't be afraid warrior princesses, take up your armor and fight the good fight.&nbsp; And when you are weary, call a sister and ask her to battle with you.&nbsp; And always remember this; we are&nbsp;to be&nbsp;strong in the Lord and in the strength of HIS MIGHT!&nbsp; He holds our head up.&nbsp; He will strengthen you.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-npGfv2LhHTA/USFUSn5CtXI/AAAAAAAAAZg/07QIXPwGSmk/s1600/princess-warrior1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-npGfv2LhHTA/USFUSn5CtXI/AAAAAAAAAZg/07QIXPwGSmk/s1600/princess-warrior1.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />Christie S.E. Blackwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13921171697698275818noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995745913329987185.post-7041084599949550802013-01-12T20:25:00.002-05:002013-01-13T23:39:03.999-05:00He Knows...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I know that my oldest son&nbsp;</div>&nbsp; &nbsp; doesn't like his food touching on his plate,<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; loves solving 'mysteries',<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; has a double 'cow lick' on the back of his head - like his dad,<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; will pick chocolate milk over juice any time,<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; is an encourager,<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; wakes up every morning at around 7:30am,<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; only eats the icing off cupcakes,<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; doesn't like his movies too intense (Franklin, Diego and the Octonauts suffice),<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; and loves his own quiet time now and then.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i7UlWrhUIrU/UPIMJKuwiHI/AAAAAAAAAY8/pPgWlZZMgmE/s1600/412979_10151022675732133_229217040_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i7UlWrhUIrU/UPIMJKuwiHI/AAAAAAAAAY8/pPgWlZZMgmE/s320/412979_10151022675732133_229217040_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />I know that my middle son<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; loves tools of every kind<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; loves meat<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; has a little mole on his belly that he tries to scratch off occasionally<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; will pick juice over milk any time,<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; is a 'foreman',<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; wakes up with his 'blankely' in hand and eyes squinting from the light,<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; loves the color green and baby elephants,<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; does not love wearing his winter coat - like his dad,<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; and is a fierce protector of his brothers.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-73tODVW4HO8/UPIMOB3H0KI/AAAAAAAAAZM/VH7YIDUJmdI/s1600/475842_10150839765897133_1970078621_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-73tODVW4HO8/UPIMOB3H0KI/AAAAAAAAAZM/VH7YIDUJmdI/s320/475842_10150839765897133_1970078621_o.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>&nbsp; <br /><br /><br />I know that my baby<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; likes his milk warm,<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; loves pulling things out of any drawer he can open,<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; has a double 'cow lick' on the back of his head - like his dad,<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; wants to eat everything on his own, no help,<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; likes transferring the dog food from the food dish into the water dish,<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; laughs from his belly when you tickle his ribs,<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; has two teeth trying vigorously to break the skin,<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; likes music,<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; doesn't like his hands sticky,<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; and sleeps on his belly at night, arms tucked underneath. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fUNUV_DfFNI/UPIML65oJ2I/AAAAAAAAAZE/xVrBWxTx7tc/s1600/620727_10151029183807133_1389657793_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fUNUV_DfFNI/UPIML65oJ2I/AAAAAAAAAZE/xVrBWxTx7tc/s320/620727_10151029183807133_1389657793_o.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><br />I know the difference between their 'tired cranky' and 'hungry cranky',<br />I know what things will delight them,<br />I know the little dance they do that tells me they need to go potty,<br />I know when they need their fingernails clipped and their ears cleaned,<br />I know when they just need a tight hug and reassurance.<br /><br />I know all about them because I love them.<br />I pay attention to all the little details because I love them.<br />Their little personalities and quirks are engraved in my heart.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bIrJzCu_hfY/UPIMF2UUBZI/AAAAAAAAAY0/j2-zI70hQzw/s1600/123_5841157132_3979_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bIrJzCu_hfY/UPIMF2UUBZI/AAAAAAAAAY0/j2-zI70hQzw/s320/123_5841157132_3979_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Look at this from&nbsp;Psalm 139:1 <br /><i><br /></i><i>O Lord, you...know everything about me.</i><br /><i><br /></i>Sometimes the fact that God knows "everything" about me can seem a little scary. <br />It could make me think that God is the big guy up in the sky who sees everything and is waiting to hit me with a lightening bolt at the next wrong move. <br /><br />Or just maybe it means that He knows I<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; like sunrises<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; love the smell of spring<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; love kissing my baby's squishy cheeks<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; love the smell of wild roses<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; delight in a hike in the woods<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; breathe deep of the smell of sun-warmed black berries<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; needed my husband just like he is<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; love fried mushrooms<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; and need Him desperately to live abundantly.<br /><br />Maybe it means that He knows all about me because He loves me.<br />Maybe it means He pays attention to all the details, <a href="http://bible.cc/luke/12-7.htm">even the number of hairs on my head,</a> because He loves me.<br />Maybe I am <a href="http://bible.cc/isaiah/49-16.htm">engraved on the palm of His hand</a>, because He loves me.<br /><br />He knows all about you too...because He loves you.<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="text Ps-139-17" id="en-NLT-16233" style="position: relative;"><br /></span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="text Ps-139-17" id="en-NLT-16233" style="position: relative;">"How precious are your thoughts about me,<sup class="footnote" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="[&lt;a href=&quot;#fen-NLT-16233b&quot; title=&quot;See footnote b&quot;&gt;b&lt;/a&gt;]"></sup>&nbsp;O God.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><span class="text Ps-139-17" style="position: relative;">They cannot be numbered!</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="text Ps-139-18" id="en-NLT-16234" style="position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; line-height: normal; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">18&nbsp;</sup>I can’t even count them;</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><span class="text Ps-139-18" style="position: relative;">they outnumber the grains of sand!"</span></span></span></i><br /><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-139-18" style="position: relative;"><br /></span></span></span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-139-18" style="position: relative;">Psalm 139:17-18b</span></span></span></i><br /><i>&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowFullScreen='true' webkitallowfullscreen='true' mozallowfullscreen='true' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/cVVlMQved8k?feature=player_embedded' FRAMEBORDER='0' /></div><i><br /></i><br /><i><br /></i><i><br /></i>Christie S.E. Blackwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13921171697698275818noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995745913329987185.post-35548406259658721522012-10-25T20:46:00.000-04:002012-10-25T20:46:24.041-04:00Luve Project Gone Wrong...So, I think I got it all wrong.&nbsp; At least, partly wrong.<br />I've been teaching the kids about loving each other using the "love chapter" in 1 Corinthians 13.&nbsp; Each week we were focusing on a different aspect...you know, "love is kind" so don't hit your brother with a stick.<br />Then it hit me (not the stick).<br />We love God because He.Loved.Us.First.&nbsp; <br />The first thing I need to teach my children, even before teaching them how to love others, is how God loves them.<br />1 Corinthians is about what true love looks and acts like.&nbsp; If God is love, then 1 Corinthians also describes how He loves us.<br />So, I've altered my plan a little...<br />Each week we'll still focus on a characteristic of love but it will be about that love, toward us, from God.<br />I don't want my children to think that this relationship with Jesus is all about "getting it right" and "playing by the rules."&nbsp; <br />I want them to know that this relationship with Jesus is first, about how much He loves them.&nbsp; <br />Enough to die for them.<br />If they can grasp how wide, how deep, how high, how long the love of God is...loving others will be a natural outcome.<br />It will be a good refresher course for me too.&nbsp; That's an understatement.&nbsp; Christie S.E. Blackwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13921171697698275818noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995745913329987185.post-37374503374742861392012-09-18T20:18:00.000-04:002012-09-18T20:22:55.033-04:00The Luve Project: Love is Slooooooow to Anger.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JDPlS8BC-yI/UFkPGfzgeXI/AAAAAAAAAWk/9udDrRDvoeo/s1600/Blog+verse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JDPlS8BC-yI/UFkPGfzgeXI/AAAAAAAAAWk/9udDrRDvoeo/s320/Blog+verse.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />I don't mind folding laundry. &nbsp;I pop up and make my bed before my eyes are barely open. &nbsp;I love cooking. &nbsp;I actually (occasionally) look forward to cleaning the toilets. &nbsp;I like making our windows shine. &nbsp;I even kind of enjoy cleaning out our van. &nbsp;But, I am sloooooooooooooooooooooow to empty that dishwasher. &nbsp;I will cram as many dishes as possible into the dishwasher to put off having to empty it again. &nbsp;Thankfully, my husband doesn't mind. &nbsp;Thankfully, he does it almost every day. &nbsp;Thankfully, or we might be eating straight off the table.<br />Not sure what it is about putting away the dishes. &nbsp;I just dread it and thus, am slow to finish it.<br />I wish I was as slow at getting angry as I am with emptying the dishwasher.<br />This was me as I was putting my boys to bed tonight: "Josiah! Put that book away so we can pray!" &nbsp;Pray and ask for forgiveness for me by that time. &nbsp;:) &nbsp;1 Corinthians says that love is "not irritable" or "not easily angered" or, for my son's comprehension, "slow to anger". &nbsp;This should be a good one...for the boys and for me. <br /><br /><i>(Luve Project Update: Love is Not Selfish)</i><br /><i>I have to say, my boys did great with their verse this last week. &nbsp;It really seemed to stick with them. &nbsp;I heard lots of "look mom, I'm not being 'fish'" (we did have to work on the actual word, "selfish"...). &nbsp;I was very proud of them and it gave me encouragement to keep on going...:)</i>Christie S.E. Blackwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13921171697698275818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995745913329987185.post-41425201621370187792012-09-11T21:35:00.000-04:002012-09-11T21:35:04.266-04:00The Luve Project: It's Not About Me? Huh?Yesterday was all about me ( a few hours anyway). &nbsp;I picked up the groceries accompanied only by a hot tea. &nbsp;I came home and got an uninterrupted bath. &nbsp;Husband made lunch and then sent me off to the spa. Here are my toes (I cropped out my grey and white track pants...I know, classy).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kFxpPFAh1E8/UE_iLjnO52I/AAAAAAAAAVc/Qkn8YIalzKU/s1600/037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kFxpPFAh1E8/UE_iLjnO52I/AAAAAAAAAVc/Qkn8YIalzKU/s320/037.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />It was most definitely a nice day. &nbsp;A treat from a rockin' husband. <br />As an adult, I fully understand that for me, my marriage, my family, and my friendships to last...every day can't be all about me (though I could get used to the spa...).<br />However, children are only just learning that the whole world does not revolve around them.<br />And who's to blame them? <br />Originally, their every whim was satisfied.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XpzzGuGAwRw/UE_jSYKEwxI/AAAAAAAAAV0/zUo_wAKz6q0/s1600/DSCF7887.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XpzzGuGAwRw/UE_jSYKEwxI/AAAAAAAAAV0/zUo_wAKz6q0/s320/DSCF7887.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />I cry, I get a new diaper.<br />I cry, I get fed.<br />I cry, I get held (sweet things).<br />As a toddler...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m_Lm7R9nHP8/UE_jCPYg8aI/AAAAAAAAAVs/F75cdDmup8w/s1600/DSCF7054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m_Lm7R9nHP8/UE_jCPYg8aI/AAAAAAAAAVs/F75cdDmup8w/s320/DSCF7054.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />Food is cut (or in this case...handed to them in a bowl so they could slather it in every conceivable nook and cranny).<br />Shoes are tied.<br />Seat belt strapped.<br />Piggy backs when tired of walking.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u48GEjmNBYc/UE_jfOo4zWI/AAAAAAAAAV8/S8qK6Ltdorg/s1600/Daddy+and+Samuel+in+winter.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u48GEjmNBYc/UE_jfOo4zWI/AAAAAAAAAV8/S8qK6Ltdorg/s320/Daddy+and+Samuel+in+winter.JPG" width="220" /></a></div><br />By the time they're preschool aged, we can hardly be surprised that they don't always get the world doesn't revolve around them. <br />This week my boys are learning that "Love is Not Selfish." &nbsp;I wrote our memory verse and drew some stick figures to illustrate a little guy not sharing. &nbsp;I was pretty impressed with how quickly they caught on. &nbsp;They tried it out on their baby brother right away. <br />"Mama, he can have my water bottle."<br />"How about my Jake compass?"<br />"He can have some of my apple Mom."<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6eoAvV1H6lo/UE_l98mehLI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/mavFMbqJuyw/s1600/032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6eoAvV1H6lo/UE_l98mehLI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/mavFMbqJuyw/s320/032.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I caught live sharing action when I was <i><u>trying</u></i> a little 'pinterest' project. &nbsp;Notice the water bottle ...:)</td></tr></tbody></table><br />So, there we have it. &nbsp;This week we'll see how unselfish we can be. &nbsp;I'll let you know how it goes. :)Christie S.E. Blackwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13921171697698275818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995745913329987185.post-91821891359056638112012-08-27T21:12:00.004-04:002012-08-27T21:17:25.888-04:00The Luve Project: Love is not Rude.I let my boys run in church (gasp!).<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-64qnn8YfDis/UDwabxuQskI/AAAAAAAAAVE/MJlFo_VQt9k/s1600/556575_10150996974292133_1484855576_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-64qnn8YfDis/UDwabxuQskI/AAAAAAAAAVE/MJlFo_VQt9k/s320/556575_10150996974292133_1484855576_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h4><i>Church runnin' clothes...;)</i></h4></td></tr></tbody></table><br />See, daddy is on staff so there are lots of times that we get there a little early-<br />before most people have finished breakfast.<br />We walk into those front doors and the wide space of the foyer beckons them every time.<br />They take off, just running. &nbsp;Boys like that...just running. <br />Eventually though, people start trickling in and before long the empty space has become an obstacle course of legs, dangling purses, babies and even a sweet dog. <br />This 'obstacle course' could prove to be even more fun than an empty foyer if mama didn't have eyes in the back her head.<br />We've been trying to teach them these last few weeks that loving others means being considerate and not rude.<br />Matthew Henry puts it this way;<br />"It (love) does nothing out of place or time; but behaves with courtesy and good will towards all men - <i>especially older ladies in the church foyer</i>."<br />O.k. I added that last part.<br />I've been explaining to them that slowing down as the foyer fills up is not just about obeying mommy but about loving others. <br />It's about being courteous to little toddlers who are not as steady on their feet. <br />It's about having good will towards our friends with older knees and backs. <br />It's about doing the right thing at the right time. <br />There will&nbsp;be a right time for running...<br />when everyone leaves for Swiss Chalet and daddy is locking up. &nbsp;:)<br />I think they're starting to get it. <br />I'll let you know how the week goes.<br />Love is not rude. <br /><br /><br /><br />Christie S.E. Blackwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13921171697698275818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995745913329987185.post-92177442554973153152012-08-25T20:49:00.003-04:002012-08-25T20:49:24.416-04:00The Luve Project Update: Does Not BoastI make mistakes.&nbsp; Yes I do.&nbsp; I heard one coming out of my mouth recently.&nbsp; It had already escaped before I got a grip on it.&nbsp; <br />"Josiah, Samuel finished all of HIS chicken!"&nbsp; <br />Comparison.&nbsp; <br />One of those things I said I would never do.&nbsp; <br />You know, when I knew all about parenting, before I had kids.<br />&nbsp;I believe that this kind of comparing,even with little things like eating all your chicken or carrots, can motivate boasting.&nbsp; It very well could have something to do with the big table boasts these days...<br />"I finished all of&nbsp;MY noodles." "I didn't spill&nbsp;MY milk."<br />(insert slapping of my forehead here)<br />I don't think that comparing my boys with each other is a healthy motivator.&nbsp; <br />Galatians 6 says it pretty plain;<br /><em>"4 Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, 5 for each one should carry their own load."</em> <br /><br />Teaching my boys to test their own actions and not compare themselves to someone else can help them to be proud of their work in and of itself, without boasting over someone else.<br />It can teach them that they are responsible to 'carry their own load' whether someone else does or not.<br />This week, I was reminded again to carefully guard how I talk to my children.<br />How are my words affecting them?<br />Am I helping or hindering their grasp of true love?<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7d6IMpq-YOo/UDlyQYkJAiI/AAAAAAAAAUo/cPGRYWqK1Y4/s1600/DSCF9709-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7d6IMpq-YOo/UDlyQYkJAiI/AAAAAAAAAUo/cPGRYWqK1Y4/s320/DSCF9709-001.JPG" width="206" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>This is a healthy, non-boasting&nbsp;"I did it!" pose for the camera...:)</em></td></tr></tbody></table>Christie S.E. Blackwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13921171697698275818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995745913329987185.post-53485987605405615242012-08-21T20:54:00.003-04:002012-08-21T20:57:06.717-04:00Don't Forget...Four year-olds can be known to exaggerate.&nbsp; For example, a new thing our oldest son declares when we don't give in to a 'demand' is; "You ruined my whole day!"&nbsp; I think maybe he forgot about <br />the warm, cozy car bed he woke up in,<br />the cartoons we let him watch in the morning,<br />the breakfast we made him (and let him eat while watching cartoons),<br />the wrestling with daddy before work, at lunch time and after work,<br />the trillions of toys at his disposal,<br />the lunch we made him,<br />the milk (with strawberry sauce added..yikes..)<br />the giggling with mama,<br />the answering of his gazillion questions,<br />the sandbox in our backyard,<br />the walk to the park...<br />I think he forgot about it all when we said he couldn't have&nbsp;another chocolate cookie.<br /><br />And as four year-oldish as that sounds...I do the same thing.<br /><br />I forget about<br />a mother holding me close,<br />being carried on my dad's shoulders,<br />young friends,<br />Sunday school songs,<br />still water reflecting the sunset,<br />soft breezes full of pine,<br />sun warmed bricks at a college,<br />cornfields and meadows,<br />a first love letter from the man who would be my husband,<br />blinking newborn eyes...<br /><br />Sometimes I forget about all God's dealings in my life just because I have one bad day.<br /><br />The Israelites did the same thing.&nbsp; Psalm 106 reminds us of all God had done to set the Israelites free from slavery then it goes on to say this;<br /><br /><span class="text Ps-106-13" id="en-KJV-15665"><em><sup class="versenum">"13 </sup>They soon forgot his works; they waited not for his counsel:</em></span><br /><em> </em><br /><span class="text Ps-106-14" id="en-KJV-15666"><em><sup class="versenum">14 </sup>But lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tempted God in the desert.</em></span><br /><em> </em><br /><span class="text Ps-106-15" id="en-KJV-15667"><em><sup class="versenum">15 </sup>And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul."</em></span><br /><br /><span class="text Ps-106-15">Matthew Henry write this in his commentary on Psalm 106; <em>"Those who forget the works of God forget God himself, who makes himself known by His works."</em> </span><br /><br /><span class="text Ps-106-15">The more I forget about what He has done, the further I seem to be from Him.&nbsp; </span><br /><span class="text Ps-106-15">I want to allow thankfulness to bring me even closer to His heart.&nbsp; </span><br /><span class="text Ps-106-15">Don't forget what He's done friends.&nbsp; </span><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XDV5CibtUYE/UDQtkTGwBSI/AAAAAAAAAUU/Gw2w-l-Z6vc/s1600/DSCF6850.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XDV5CibtUYE/UDQtkTGwBSI/AAAAAAAAAUU/Gw2w-l-Z6vc/s320/DSCF6850.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Christie S.E. Blackwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13921171697698275818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995745913329987185.post-37737592972231204852012-08-20T21:12:00.001-04:002012-08-20T21:15:40.186-04:00The Luve Project: Love Does Not Boast (even at the dinner table)The past couple years, dinner time at our house&nbsp;has&nbsp;looked a little&nbsp;like this...<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e70SauytffQ/UDLZRQ7zSNI/AAAAAAAAAS8/SbrczNJip4E/s1600/DSCF7053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e70SauytffQ/UDLZRQ7zSNI/AAAAAAAAAS8/SbrczNJip4E/s320/DSCF7053.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Most of these pictures features Sam Bam.&nbsp; He likes to 'experience' his food</em>.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ocgzA-zVTKw/UDLZc87KV0I/AAAAAAAAATE/vim59gqD1DE/s1600/DSCF6854.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ocgzA-zVTKw/UDLZc87KV0I/AAAAAAAAATE/vim59gqD1DE/s320/DSCF6854.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LEOZTUQLyI8/UDLZvnvFI3I/AAAAAAAAATM/NuSSuzeuNd8/s1600/DSCF5905.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LEOZTUQLyI8/UDLZvnvFI3I/AAAAAAAAATM/NuSSuzeuNd8/s320/DSCF5905.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>It's a 100% fruit popsicle...don't judge people. ;)</em></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gakOM2XfrUQ/UDLZ-R-ySgI/AAAAAAAAATU/3YulYx_kxfA/s1600/DSCF7395.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gakOM2XfrUQ/UDLZ-R-ySgI/AAAAAAAAATU/3YulYx_kxfA/s320/DSCF7395.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>"Look mom! My hat!"</em></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d917RN7kdts/UDLaNs4oRUI/AAAAAAAAATc/_YNybSkxDI0/s1600/DSCF6195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d917RN7kdts/UDLaNs4oRUI/AAAAAAAAATc/_YNybSkxDI0/s320/DSCF6195.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>This was before our oldest son&nbsp;figured out he didn't&nbsp;like to be messy.</em></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XdoSKfc_NYs/UDLallk5zuI/AAAAAAAAATk/GEVarAR-Mpk/s1600/2012+April+May+473.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XdoSKfc_NYs/UDLallk5zuI/AAAAAAAAATk/GEVarAR-Mpk/s320/2012+April+May+473.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Yep. A quarter of a watermelon right there</em>.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v-wpxZBjPkg/UDLawdc7VsI/AAAAAAAAATs/wZrSOh7nwCw/s1600/DSCF7733.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v-wpxZBjPkg/UDLawdc7VsI/AAAAAAAAATs/wZrSOh7nwCw/s320/DSCF7733.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>And...there was this time.</em></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iPumu6mgq_4/UDLbM1kemmI/AAAAAAAAAT0/ceqH_N8VdxU/s1600/DSCF8472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iPumu6mgq_4/UDLbM1kemmI/AAAAAAAAAT0/ceqH_N8VdxU/s320/DSCF8472.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Every breakfast pretty much ends up like this.</em></td></tr></tbody></table>So, there you have it.&nbsp; Dinner with three kids can always be a treat.&nbsp; :)<br />&nbsp;Lately I've found that dinner has been sounding a little like this;<br />"Mom,<em> I</em> didn't spill<em> MY</em> milk."<br />"Dad, <em>I</em> took <em>MY</em> plate to the dishwasher."<br />"Mama,<em> I</em> ate all of <em>MY</em> spinach."<br />"Dad, <em>MY</em> toys are all off the table."<br />"Mama,<em> I'M</em> being quiet."<br />Naturally, these&nbsp;good deeds were&nbsp;all the opposite of what brother was doing.<br />&nbsp;A little boasting going on around the dinner table.&nbsp; <br />This evening we taught the boys, "Love does not boast."&nbsp; We explained to them that bragging about themselves in order to point out others weaknesses and your own exceeding greatness is not what love is about.&nbsp; <br />Hopefully&nbsp;our table boasting will change this week.<br />I have a feeling our table messes may not change all that much. ;)<br />I'll let you know how it goes. Christie S.E. Blackwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13921171697698275818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995745913329987185.post-56709019114643410142012-08-17T20:09:00.002-04:002012-08-17T20:14:14.249-04:00The Luve Project Update: EnvySo, my kids didn't seem to have many incidents of 'envy' this week to work on. &nbsp;That's probably a good thing. :) &nbsp;We did work on memorizing; "Love does not envy" (or "love is not enbee" for all you 3 year-olds out there...). &nbsp;I also found a great verse that may be key in helping our boys guard against resentful envy. &nbsp;Romans 12:15 says;<br /><br /><div class="result-text-style-normal text-html "><div style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="text Rom-12-15" id="en-NKJV-28261"><i><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;"><br /></sup></i></span></div><div style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="text Rom-12-15" id="en-NKJV-28261"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;">"</sup>Rejoice</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep (NKJV)."&nbsp;</span></i></span></div><div style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="text Rom-12-15" id="en-NKJV-28261"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></i></span></div>If I can help my children to be happy rather than resentful when others are blessed with good things, then I think they'll be taking big steps towards not being an envious person. &nbsp;We can make rejoicing with others a habit that will, hopefully (prayerfully), shape their character for the better. &nbsp;It won't always be an easy lesson to learn. &nbsp;It won't be easy<br /><br /><br /><div style="font-size: 16px;">when someone else is picked as captain,</div><div style="font-size: 16px;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xgcpWR837KY/UC7cBDcom1I/AAAAAAAAASc/Mcovl0QwaFM/s1600/301160_10150279817352133_1871378427_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xgcpWR837KY/UC7cBDcom1I/AAAAAAAAASc/Mcovl0QwaFM/s320/301160_10150279817352133_1871378427_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="font-size: 16px;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: 16px;">or gets the better mark</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w9GUn5at2No/UC7cCFRnynI/AAAAAAAAASk/j0aXJPPzLPw/s1600/404009_10150625815202133_1118717715_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w9GUn5at2No/UC7cCFRnynI/AAAAAAAAASk/j0aXJPPzLPw/s320/404009_10150625815202133_1118717715_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font-size: 16px;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: 16px;">&nbsp;or wins the gold. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UcnIuY7raEE/UC7cAC-R7ZI/AAAAAAAAASU/0JQVsYAZkrE/s1600/294163_10150279820742133_467909722_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UcnIuY7raEE/UC7cAC-R7ZI/AAAAAAAAASU/0JQVsYAZkrE/s320/294163_10150279820742133_467909722_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="font-size: 16px;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: 16px;">However, learning to be happy for the other is always a healthier response. </div><div style="font-size: 16px;">Practically, as a parent, I will attempt to memorize this little nugget of a verse and whisper it in my boy's ears when the opportunity arises.</div><div style="font-size: 16px;">For example, last Saturday we went to our little cousin's 1st birthday party. &nbsp;He had a Jake and the Neverland Pirates birthday cake. &nbsp;That's a big deal. &nbsp;My boys were wide eyed and completely in love with that cake. </div><div style="font-size: 16px;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: 16px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SCk5Z4p0rhQ/UC7aAkFHVAI/AAAAAAAAASM/tn_7pJkR1IU/s1600/420125_10151053680414585_1160882683_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SCk5Z4p0rhQ/UC7aAkFHVAI/AAAAAAAAASM/tn_7pJkR1IU/s320/420125_10151053680414585_1160882683_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>That would have been a great opportunity to quietly whisper...<i>"Wow! &nbsp;Isn't it great that Channing got that terrific cake?! &nbsp;He will be so excited to see that!"</i> &nbsp;Creating opportunities to celebrate with others may be an actual safe guard against building up feelings of resentment when others seem to receive more. &nbsp;So thankful for the wisdom that God's words so freely provides. &nbsp;In this parenting business, I need as much as I can get! &nbsp; </div><div style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="text Rom-12-15" id="en-NKJV-28261"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></div></div>Christie S.E. Blackwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13921171697698275818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995745913329987185.post-16719092630750757622012-08-14T20:43:00.000-04:002012-08-14T20:43:16.050-04:00The Luve Project: Envy and High TopsI think I remember the first time I fell prey to a fad.&nbsp; It was elementary school.&nbsp; A couple girls in my class had new high tops.&nbsp; Not just any high tops.&nbsp; They had little chains on them.&nbsp; Naturally, everyone wanted a pair.&nbsp; I would stare at them longingly and try to picture them on my own scrawny feet.&nbsp; Not that I had horrible shoes...I just didn't have high tops..with chains.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zoeI_qOaRns/UCrwCKYRiLI/AAAAAAAAAR4/NtaWbm1UIG4/s1600/photo+of+young+me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zoeI_qOaRns/UCrwCKYRiLI/AAAAAAAAAR4/NtaWbm1UIG4/s200/photo+of+young+me.jpg" width="154" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See?&nbsp; I needed the chains...</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Apart from the chains, my memories about the shoe issue are a little vague.&nbsp; I have a feeling though that little fingers of envy may have crept in to say; "she thinks she's so cool...with her chains."&nbsp; <br />This week I'm teaching my boys about envy.&nbsp; I wrote our little verse poster; "Love does not envy.." and then proceeded to expound 'envy' at the dinner table..to a 4 year old - and a 3 year old.&nbsp; Interesting.&nbsp; <br />I reminded Josiah of when he was mad when Samuel won a birthday prize and he didn't.&nbsp; It didn't go too well.&nbsp; Josiah decided he still wasn't over the episode and Samuel remembered that he had&nbsp;left said prize at the party...oops.<br />We'll try again tomorrow. :)&nbsp; Christie S.E. Blackwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13921171697698275818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995745913329987185.post-33412013239118331332012-08-10T15:26:00.000-04:002012-08-10T15:26:27.752-04:00Luve Project Update: KindnessIf my three boys were allowed to pick whatever they wanted to drink, at any time, here are the choices they would make;<br />Big Brother: Milk (<span style="font-size: xx-small;">with chocolate sauce</span>) <br />Medium Brother: Apple Juice<br />Baby Brother: Milk - the strong stuff - 3% all the way baby!&nbsp; <br />My nephew Micah's beverage of choice: water.<br />I remember him being so proud about a dentist check-up because the dentist was impressed with how much water he drank.&nbsp; More water = less cavities.&nbsp; <br />Thankfully, his parents have tons of clean, bacteria-free water to give to Micah.<br />Not all parents have this privilege.&nbsp; <br /><br />This has been our kindness week and part of learning about kind is learning to be kind to the poor.&nbsp; We let the boys watch this video...<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="300" mozallowfullscreen="mozallowfullscreen" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/27477174" webkitallowfullscreen="webkitallowfullscreen" width="400"></iframe> <br />My oldest son's first words were; "Yucky! Look at that yucky water!".&nbsp; We explained that the scum filled hole was the only water the young girl had to drink.&nbsp; <br />"But she can't drink that mom, it's too dirty!"&nbsp; <br />We know.&nbsp; But that's all she has.&nbsp; <br />The boys watched intently as 'Fiona' poured her filthy water into a small bucket with a filter.&nbsp; They were pretty excited to see clean water come out the other end.&nbsp; We told them that a part of kindness was helping that little girl and others like her get clean water to drink.&nbsp; We gave them 10 nickels each and they got to choose some to put in our 'water' bank.&nbsp; <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6x7XmvyTqzo/UCMMUAXWZEI/AAAAAAAAARQ/T2T4dAiYxM0/s1600/DSCF9721.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6x7XmvyTqzo/UCMMUAXWZEI/AAAAAAAAARQ/T2T4dAiYxM0/s320/DSCF9721.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_efolAa4Yos/UCMMXnHF_7I/AAAAAAAAARY/b8VLAQr0Yi8/s1600/DSCF9722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_efolAa4Yos/UCMMXnHF_7I/AAAAAAAAARY/b8VLAQr0Yi8/s320/DSCF9722.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(p.s. we need a new battery in this bank)</span></em></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e_b0cEq20Yk/UCMMa5b_iSI/AAAAAAAAARg/4Q45ZT3EXHM/s1600/DSCF9724.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e_b0cEq20Yk/UCMMa5b_iSI/AAAAAAAAARg/4Q45ZT3EXHM/s320/DSCF9724.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />They were pretty excited to be shoving those nickels into the bank.&nbsp; When we get to $55 (naturally mama and daddy are helping too as nickels would take a long time to accumulate), we'll buy a water filter for a family so that they can have clean water for life.&nbsp; Kindness.Christie S.E. Blackwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13921171697698275818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995745913329987185.post-85305586643387350272012-08-07T10:24:00.004-04:002012-08-07T10:24:34.802-04:00Do Not Fret...I have been known to fret and worry occasionally...maybe more than occasionally.&nbsp; One of my employers called me; "worst-case scenario Christie."&nbsp; I've been reading a new book called; "A Better Way to Think" by H. Norman Wright.&nbsp; I think this should be prerequisite reading for...everyone!&nbsp; <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dEFoHMssVm8/UCEkqXExqRI/AAAAAAAAAQo/g7xr4nbIA7o/s1600/Image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dEFoHMssVm8/UCEkqXExqRI/AAAAAAAAAQo/g7xr4nbIA7o/s320/Image.jpg" width="206" /></a></div><br /><br />The basis of the book is to replace your negative thoughts with God's truth and promises.&nbsp; Anyway, I came across something in the book this morning that was so exciting to me, I couldn't help but share.<br />The book has a space with questions to answer at the end of each chapter.&nbsp; One of the questions was; "Look up Psalm 37:1-9.&nbsp; What are four alternatives to fretting that the psalmist suggests?&nbsp; What do these mean to you?"<br /><br />Let me show you the scripture...the answers are all. right. there! <br /><br /><em><sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">1 </span></sup>Do not fret because of those who are evil<br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-37-1">or be envious <sup class="crossreference" value="(&lt;a href=&quot;#cen-NIV-14452A&quot; title=&quot;See cross-reference A&quot;&gt;A&lt;/a&gt;)"></sup> of those who do wrong; <sup class="crossreference" value="(&lt;a href=&quot;#cen-NIV-14452B&quot; title=&quot;See cross-reference B&quot;&gt;B&lt;/a&gt;)"></sup> </span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-37-2" id="en-NIV-14453"><sup class="versenum">2 </sup>for like the grass they will soon wither, <sup class="crossreference" value="(&lt;a href=&quot;#cen-NIV-14453C&quot; title=&quot;See cross-reference C&quot;&gt;C&lt;/a&gt;)"></sup> </span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-37-2">like green plants they will soon die away. <sup class="crossreference" value="(&lt;a href=&quot;#cen-NIV-14453D&quot; title=&quot;See cross-reference D&quot;&gt;D&lt;/a&gt;)"></sup> </span></span> </em><br /><div class="poetry top-05"><div class="line"><em><span class="text Ps-37-3" id="en-NIV-14454"><sup class="versenum">3 </sup><span style="font-size: large;">Trust in the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span> and do good;</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-37-3">dwell in the land <sup class="crossreference" value="(&lt;a href=&quot;#cen-NIV-14454E&quot; title=&quot;See cross-reference E&quot;&gt;E&lt;/a&gt;)"></sup> and enjoy safe pasture. <sup class="crossreference" value="(&lt;a href=&quot;#cen-NIV-14454F&quot; title=&quot;See cross-reference F&quot;&gt;F&lt;/a&gt;)"></sup> </span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-37-4" id="en-NIV-14455"><sup class="versenum">4 </sup><span style="font-size: large;">Take delight <sup class="crossreference" value="(&lt;a href=&quot;#cen-NIV-14455G&quot; title=&quot;See cross-reference G&quot;&gt;G&lt;/a&gt;)"></sup> in the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span>,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-37-4">and he will give you the desires of your heart. <sup class="crossreference" value="(&lt;a href=&quot;#cen-NIV-14455H&quot; title=&quot;See cross-reference H&quot;&gt;H&lt;/a&gt;)"></sup> </span></span></em></div></div><em> </em><br /><div class="poetry top-05"><div class="line"><em><span class="text Ps-37-5" id="en-NIV-14456"><sup class="versenum">5 </sup><span style="font-size: large;">Commit your way to the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span>;</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-37-5">trust in him <sup class="crossreference" value="(&lt;a href=&quot;#cen-NIV-14456I&quot; title=&quot;See cross-reference I&quot;&gt;I&lt;/a&gt;)"></sup> and he will do this:</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-37-6" id="en-NIV-14457"><sup class="versenum">6 </sup>He will make your righteous reward <sup class="crossreference" value="(&lt;a href=&quot;#cen-NIV-14457J&quot; title=&quot;See cross-reference J&quot;&gt;J&lt;/a&gt;)"></sup> shine like the dawn, <sup class="crossreference" value="(&lt;a href=&quot;#cen-NIV-14457K&quot; title=&quot;See cross-reference K&quot;&gt;K&lt;/a&gt;)"></sup> </span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-37-6">your vindication like the noonday sun.</span></span></em></div></div><em> </em><br /><div class="poetry top-05"><div class="line"><em><span class="text Ps-37-7" id="en-NIV-14458"><sup class="versenum">7 </sup><span style="font-size: large;">Be still <sup class="crossreference" value="(&lt;a href=&quot;#cen-NIV-14458L&quot; title=&quot;See cross-reference L&quot;&gt;L&lt;/a&gt;)"></sup> before the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span class="text Ps-37-7">and wait patiently <sup class="crossreference" value="(&lt;a href=&quot;#cen-NIV-14458M&quot; title=&quot;See cross-reference M&quot;&gt;M&lt;/a&gt;)"></sup> for him;</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-37-7">do not fret <sup class="crossreference" value="(&lt;a href=&quot;#cen-NIV-14458N&quot; title=&quot;See cross-reference N&quot;&gt;N&lt;/a&gt;)"></sup> when people succeed in their ways, <sup class="crossreference" value="(&lt;a href=&quot;#cen-NIV-14458O&quot; title=&quot;See cross-reference O&quot;&gt;O&lt;/a&gt;)"></sup> </span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-37-7">when they carry out their wicked schemes. <sup class="crossreference" value="(&lt;a href=&quot;#cen-NIV-14458P&quot; title=&quot;See cross-reference P&quot;&gt;P&lt;/a&gt;)"></sup> </span></span></em></div></div><br /><div class="poetry top-05"><div class="line"><em><span class="text Ps-37-8" id="en-NIV-14459"><span style="font-size: large;"><sup class="versenum">8 </sup>Refrain from anger</span> <sup class="crossreference" value="(&lt;a href=&quot;#cen-NIV-14459Q&quot; title=&quot;See cross-reference Q&quot;&gt;Q&lt;/a&gt;)"></sup> and turn from wrath;</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-37-8">do not fret <sup class="crossreference" value="(&lt;a href=&quot;#cen-NIV-14459R&quot; title=&quot;See cross-reference R&quot;&gt;R&lt;/a&gt;)"></sup> —it leads only to evil.</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-37-9" id="en-NIV-14460"><sup class="versenum">9 </sup>For those who are evil will be destroyed, <sup class="crossreference" value="(&lt;a href=&quot;#cen-NIV-14460S&quot; title=&quot;See cross-reference S&quot;&gt;S&lt;/a&gt;)"></sup> </span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-37-9">but those who hope <sup class="crossreference" value="(&lt;a href=&quot;#cen-NIV-14460T&quot; title=&quot;See cross-reference T&quot;&gt;T&lt;/a&gt;)"></sup> in the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> will inherit the land.&nbsp;</span></span></em></div><div class="line"><br /></div><div class="line"><br /></div><div class="line"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-37-9">So, when I start to have worried thoughts I have a few options; </span></span></div><div class="line"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-37-9">1) I can find scriptures about trusting God, memorize them and meditate on them.</span></span></div><div class="line"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-37-9">2) I ca</span></span><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-37-9">n bring to mind all the things about God that delight me...sunsets, His provision, my family, etc.&nbsp; Another version says to "feed on His faithfulness" (I love that).&nbsp; </span></span></div><div class="line"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-37-9">3) I can commit whatever I may be worrying about to Him.&nbsp; Here it is God, now what do I do with it?&nbsp; </span></span></div><div class="line"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-37-9">4) I can be still and wait for God to show up.&nbsp; Not try to make things happen myself (remember Sarah and all those servant girls she made miserable? Check out Genesis 16).</span></span></div><div class="line"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-37-9">&nbsp;5) Refrain from anger.&nbsp; Anger at God, anger at anyone!&nbsp; Anger pretty well only hurts yourself.&nbsp; Not that it's as easy as pie to let it go.&nbsp; But, at least, start trying.&nbsp; Anger in itself is not wrong, it's just a sign that there's an issue to be dealt with.&nbsp; It's the holding on to it and acting it out&nbsp;that destroys your sense of peace and the peace of those around you.&nbsp; </span></span></div><div class="line"><br /></div></div>What's so amazing is that God really does have all the answers for us in His Word.&nbsp; We just have to search for them.&nbsp; Books like this help me with my search.&nbsp; Hope you have been helped to have a frettless day... :)<br />Christie S.E. Blackwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13921171697698275818noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995745913329987185.post-10293325940160940872012-08-06T21:11:00.004-04:002012-08-06T21:11:58.906-04:00The Luve Project: KindnessBefore I had a grocery cart full of babies to carry around a store - &nbsp;I enjoyed perusing the greeting card aisle.&nbsp; I leisurely read the cute and quirky little sayings, opened up the music cards (..."give me a kiss to build a dream on...") and laughed quietly at the funny ones.&nbsp; One of my favorite lines on a thank-you card was <em>"You may say it's no big deal...but kindness is always a big deal."</em>&nbsp; Isn't that great?&nbsp; <br /><br />1 Corinthians 13:4 says;<br /><em>" Love is patient, love is <span style="font-size: large;">kind</span>."</em><br /><br />According to <a href="http://studylight.org/">studylight.org</a>, the word "kind" in 1 Corinthians&nbsp;means:<br /><br /><em>"to show one's self mild, to be kind, use kindness" </em><br /><br />Oh boy...can boys be mild?&nbsp; :)&nbsp; This should be fun...but I am sure I will be afforded many opportunities to remind my boys (and myself) to be mild.&nbsp; <br /><br />In reading up a little on the word "kind" and "kindness" in the Bible, I saw some common occurrences.&nbsp; Kindness comes up a lot when God talks about how we should treat the poor.<br /><br /><em>"Whoever is <b>kind</b> to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward them for what they have done."<br /><span class="keywordresultextras">Proverbs 19:17 </span></em><br /><br /><span class="keywordresultextras">Also, the word describes God's dealings with us over and over again.</span><br /><br /><span class="keywordresultextras"><em>"The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing <b>kind</b>ness."<br /><span class="keywordresultextras">Jeremiah 31:3</span></em></span><br /><br /><span class="keywordresultextras"><span class="keywordresultextras">And, in general, how we should be treating everyone around us.</span></span><br /><br /><span class="keywordresultextras"><span class="keywordresultextras">My goals this week to teach the boys that "love is kind" will be to;</span></span><br /><span class="keywordresultextras"><span class="keywordresultextras">1.&nbsp; Remind them to be 'mild' when addressing their parents, brothers and friends.</span></span><br /><span class="keywordresultextras"><span class="keywordresultextras">2.&nbsp; Set up a project to help the poor.</span></span><br /><span class="keywordresultextras"><span class="keywordresultextras">3.&nbsp; Remind them of God's kindnesses to us.</span></span><br /><span class="keywordresultextras"><span class="keywordresultextras">4.&nbsp; Provide opportunities for them to&nbsp;do acts of&nbsp;&nbsp;kindness.&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><br /><br /><span class="keywordresultextras"><span class="keywordresultextras">I pray you see at least one instance of God's kindness towards you this week.&nbsp; </span></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1I2jzE9ZhGI/UCBnnbtpyoI/AAAAAAAAAQY/EPLpyxeZrnU/s1600/DSCF5779.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1I2jzE9ZhGI/UCBnnbtpyoI/AAAAAAAAAQY/EPLpyxeZrnU/s320/DSCF5779.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><span class="keywordresultextras"><span class="keywordresultextras"><em>(Here's biggest brother being 'kind' to little brother when they were just babies...he was helping him hide in the cupboard.)</em></span></span><br /><br /><span class="keywordresultextras"><span class="keywordresultextras">I'll let you know how our little project goes at the end of the week.</span></span><br />Christie S.E. Blackwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13921171697698275818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995745913329987185.post-53765757193620526292012-08-02T15:05:00.001-04:002012-08-03T09:35:39.095-04:00The Luve Project Update: PatienceYeesh!&nbsp; I think this project may be more about me than the kids.&nbsp; I am discovering a couple important things about patience.<br />1.&nbsp;&nbsp; This mathematical equation;<br /><br /># of hours of sleep=level of patience.&nbsp; <br /><br />Yes, the number of hours I slept was&nbsp;in direct correlation with the level of patience I had (can I get an 'amen'?).<br /><br />An important thing to remember is that it is not my kid's, husband's, the traffic guy's, cashier's, or God's fault that I was up too late..<br /><br />watching<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Oc_U43FZ_ok/UBrLdXwQWKI/AAAAAAAAAPw/5KRaPaR9iFc/s1600/NetflixLogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Oc_U43FZ_ok/UBrLdXwQWKI/AAAAAAAAAPw/5KRaPaR9iFc/s200/NetflixLogo.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />surfing<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IHm5RgKq7vc/UBrLm8IQREI/AAAAAAAAAP4/kfvStPt7W2A/s1600/facebook_logo2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IHm5RgKq7vc/UBrLm8IQREI/AAAAAAAAAP4/kfvStPt7W2A/s200/facebook_logo2.png" width="200" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />or reading<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MlgCBCRPezE/UBrLqW7bM8I/AAAAAAAAAQA/h7LoQ9kFKyg/s1600/Wonderland+Creek+%2528Lynn+Austin%2529+October+17+2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MlgCBCRPezE/UBrLqW7bM8I/AAAAAAAAAQA/h7LoQ9kFKyg/s200/Wonderland+Creek+%2528Lynn+Austin%2529+October+17+2011.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I can't use lack of sleep as a viable excuse for impatience.&nbsp; I am a big girl and I need to make the hard decision to get a healthy dose of sleep so that I can more effectively model patience for my children.<br />This also goes for the kidlets.&nbsp; I know schedule's are a little off-kilter for the summer but it is my responsibility to allow my children opportunity to get enough sleep so that they are more easily able to be patient.&nbsp; <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cIJNojaaAXM/UBrNjbpg4tI/AAAAAAAAAQI/DHV_iNgDanE/s1600/DSCF7242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cIJNojaaAXM/UBrNjbpg4tI/AAAAAAAAAQI/DHV_iNgDanE/s320/DSCF7242.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />2.&nbsp; Patience is hard work!&nbsp; It is only going to come by sacrifice.&nbsp; <br />Sacrificing&nbsp;my urge to YELL at the kids when they're not listening.<br />Sacrificing time by not&nbsp;rushing them through a story just so I can fold one more load of clothes.<br />Sacrificing some&nbsp;leisure (leisure?&nbsp; what's that) ;) to hear another superhero story.<br />My children will learn patience when I&nbsp;am able to show them patience.<br /><br />So that's my update.&nbsp; Let me know if you have any stories about learning patience.&nbsp; I'll leave you with a little nugget from Proverbs...<br /><br /><em>"Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city (16:32)".</em> <br /><br /><em>Disclaimer:&nbsp; I'm not saying that&nbsp;I&nbsp;should never watch t.v.,&nbsp;surf the Internet or read a&nbsp;book.&nbsp;&nbsp;I was talking about when it keeps me&nbsp;up&nbsp;past a decent hour.&nbsp; Neither am I saying that I can never have free time or tell my children to wait patiently while I have a little break.&nbsp; Everything in balance friends. :)</em>&nbsp; Christie S.E. Blackwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13921171697698275818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995745913329987185.post-25834994388550446212012-07-31T11:55:00.001-04:002012-07-31T11:55:15.039-04:00The Luve Project: PatienceI was one of the weirdos in school who loved literature.&nbsp; I loved to read.&nbsp; Anything.&nbsp; So, all the short-stories, poems, and haiku's assigned to us in class were a treat.&nbsp;It also helped that we had a&nbsp;fantastic teacher (who by the way, would come into our&nbsp;classroom&nbsp;every Christmas wearing a sombrero and singing, "The Hat I&nbsp;Got for Christmas Was Too Big").&nbsp; &nbsp;I remember&nbsp;him&nbsp;showing us Robert Burns' famous poem, <a href="http://www.poetry-archive.com/b/o_my_luves_like_a_red_red_rose.html">Red, Red Rose</a>.&nbsp; The first line in this piece was "O my luve's like a red, red rose."&nbsp; I just couldn't get past&nbsp;ye olde english&nbsp;"luve".&nbsp; I think I may be an editor at heart and I couldn't fully enjoy the poem for the spelling of 'love' (told you...weirdo...).&nbsp; <br />I was thinking about that poem today when I read 1 Corinthians 13.&nbsp; <br /><em>"4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."</em> <br />I was thinking that if&nbsp;my boys could be loved and love like this...they would be pretty set for life.&nbsp; Love doesn't hit their brother.&nbsp; Love trusts that when Mama says wear your life-jacket...it's a good thing. Love does not cheat on a math test.&nbsp;&nbsp;Love is not proud when big brother gets in trouble.&nbsp; Love doesn't erupt in anger when something doesn't go his way.&nbsp; If we can teach them how&nbsp; to love, God's greatest commandment, then I think we will be successful parents.&nbsp; <br />So, I've decided to try a little project.&nbsp; I'm going to break up the "luve chapter" into the different traits of love and focus on one a week with our boys.&nbsp; We'll write out the verse and memorize that little part.&nbsp; Then, my husband and I have a frame of reference when our little guys provide an "opportunity" for teaching about love.&nbsp; <br />Our first trait is patience.&nbsp; Samuel helped me 'decorate' the little love poster this morning.&nbsp; We'll stick that on the fridge and see how it goes.&nbsp; <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0jLQWbxT6D0/UBf_I0zr8rI/AAAAAAAAAPg/do3ZfgmTqDU/s1600/DSCF9677.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0jLQWbxT6D0/UBf_I0zr8rI/AAAAAAAAAPg/do3ZfgmTqDU/s320/DSCF9677.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />I'm hoping to be able to update you each Friday about how our week went.&nbsp; Maybe you would like to try too...you don't need kids either...try it yourself!&nbsp; Let me know how it turns out. :)<br /><br /><em><span class="text Mark-12-29"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">29 </sup>“The most important one,”</span> answered Jesus, <span class="woj">“is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.<sup class="footnote" value="[&lt;a href=&quot;#fen-NIV-24703e&quot; title=&quot;See footnote e&quot;&gt;e&lt;/a&gt;]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+12&amp;version=NIV#fen-NIV-24703e" title="See footnote e">e</a>]</sup></span></span> <span class="text Mark-12-30" id="en-NIV-24704"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">30<strong> </strong></sup><strong>Love</strong> the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’<sup class="footnote" value="[&lt;a href=&quot;#fen-NIV-24704f&quot; title=&quot;See footnote f&quot;&gt;f&lt;/a&gt;]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+12&amp;version=NIV#fen-NIV-24704f" title="See footnote f">f</a>]</sup> <sup class="crossreference" value="(&lt;a href=&quot;#cen-NIV-24704U&quot; title=&quot;See cross-reference U&quot;&gt;U&lt;/a&gt;)"></sup> </span></span> <span class="text Mark-12-31" id="en-NIV-24705"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">31 </sup>The second is this: ‘<strong>Love</strong> your neighbor as yourself.’<sup class="footnote" value="[&lt;a href=&quot;#fen-NIV-24705g&quot; title=&quot;See footnote g&quot;&gt;g&lt;/a&gt;]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+12&amp;version=NIV#fen-NIV-24705g" title="See footnote g">g</a>]</sup> <sup class="crossreference" value="(&lt;a href=&quot;#cen-NIV-24705V&quot; title=&quot;See cross-reference V&quot;&gt;V&lt;/a&gt;)"></sup> There is no commandment greater than these.”</span></span></em><br />Christie S.E. Blackwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13921171697698275818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995745913329987185.post-86958443396969968482012-07-02T08:13:00.001-04:002012-07-02T08:13:20.009-04:00Peace Anyone?You may have the best husband ever (I do),<br />You may have a chubby cheeked baby and fun little boys (I do),<br />You may have sweet, wise, godly friends (I do),<br />You may have parents that love you (I do),<br />You may have in-laws that love you (I hope I do ;),<br />You may have enough food (I'm making a pot roast today...),<br />You may have clean water (I do),<br />You may have new shoes (that would be nice),<br /><br />But...you still may not have peace.&nbsp;&nbsp; <br /><br />Psalm 62 says, <br />"Truly my soul silently waits for God;<br /><span class="text Ps-62-1">From Him comes my salvation.</span><br /><span class="text Ps-62-2" id="en-NKJV-14830"><sup class="versenum">2 </sup>He <strong><em>only</em></strong> is my rock and my salvation;</span><br /><span class="text Ps-62-2"><em>He </em>is my defense;</span><br /><span class="text Ps-62-2">I shall not be greatly moved."</span><br /><span class="text Ps-62-2">.....</span><br /><span class="text Ps-62-2">"My soul, wait silently for God <em><strong>alone</strong></em>,<br /><span class="text Ps-62-5">For my expectation is from Him.</span><br /><span class="text Ps-62-6" id="en-NKJV-14834"><sup class="versenum">6 </sup><strong><em>He only</em></strong> is my rock and my salvation;</span><br /><span class="text Ps-62-6">He is my defense;</span><br /><span class="text Ps-62-6">I shall not be moved."</span></span><br /><br /><span class="text Ps-62-2"><span class="text Ps-62-6">Sometimes, when we sorely need peace and rest, we grasp frantically for something to help ease the struggle.&nbsp; </span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-62-2"><span class="text Ps-62-6">The right man, the right vacation, the right kids, the right new outfit, the right friend.</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-62-2"><span class="text Ps-62-6">These things are most assuredly blessings, but they cannot bring us true peace.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-62-2"><span class="text Ps-62-6">Only God&nbsp;could see&nbsp;the things that would disrupt our peace and put them on Jesus' shoulders.</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-62-2"><span class="text Ps-62-6">Only Jesus could take them from us and put them on Himself.&nbsp; </span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-62-2"><span class="text Ps-62-6">True peace will come when we can finally hand over our burdens to Jesus, who longs to take them from us.</span></span><br /><br /><span class="text Ps-62-2"><span class="text Ps-62-6">I pray you find peace today friends.</span></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oyBdRQzFrZs/T_GP_hNaETI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/oJtxxszIWJ4/s1600/Tom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oyBdRQzFrZs/T_GP_hNaETI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/oJtxxszIWJ4/s320/Tom.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Christie S.E. Blackwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13921171697698275818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995745913329987185.post-69755049421262552092012-06-18T21:20:00.000-04:002012-06-18T21:37:44.246-04:00What to Make Monday...Bread!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eDrnJGV7q_4/T9_O5FyAx_I/AAAAAAAAAO8/hyV-fY6TJlI/s1600/DSCF8014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eDrnJGV7q_4/T9_O5FyAx_I/AAAAAAAAAO8/hyV-fY6TJlI/s320/DSCF8014.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />I LOVE bread.<br />&nbsp;I have a beautiful cousin who has a scar on her chin because of my love of bread.&nbsp; <br />It was a fine day in a quiet&nbsp;inlet.<br />4 little girls, 3&nbsp;sisters and a cousin, were playing like all little girls play on fine days.<br />The little&nbsp;cousin with bouncing brown curls&nbsp;gets a sudden longing for her auntie's delicious, warm, soft and light homemade bread.<br />Auntie, being the good auntie that she is, graciously rewards her little niece with her heart's desire.<br />What cousin and auntie were too busy to see was... oldest sister falling off the deck...<br />True story.<br /><br />So, for years, I have stayed away from making my own bread.&nbsp; I think I felt that there was some kind of bread making intuition that I didn't have.&nbsp; Also, the thought of making&nbsp;bread&nbsp;even close to the&nbsp;same caliber of Aunt Wanda was intimidating.&nbsp; I had watched my mom make bread too.&nbsp; It looked pretty tricky to me.&nbsp; "How much flour mom?"&nbsp; "Oh...just enough to make it look like this..."&nbsp; I needed cold, hard facts.&nbsp; You know?&nbsp; Actual measurements.<br /><br />Well, I finally got up the courage and decided to give it a go.&nbsp; I looked to a favorite website - <a href="http://www.allrecipes.com/">www.allrecipes.com</a> and found this recipe of cold hard facts.&nbsp;&nbsp;Samuel&nbsp;(my sous chef&nbsp;3 year-old)&nbsp;and I followed it exactly and IT WORKED!&nbsp; I was ecstatic.&nbsp; My husband was delighted.&nbsp; And we chowed down those 4 loaves in just a couple days (just cause' it was the first time...) ;)<br /><br />Here's the recipe folks.&nbsp; Let me know if you try it.&nbsp; <br /><br />2 packages of active dry yeast<br />(or 4 1/2 tsp of yeast)<br />4 1/2 cups warm water<br />6 tbsp sugar<br />2 tbsp salt<br />1/4 cup butter, melted, cooled<br />12 cups flour<br /><br />In large bowl, dissolve yeast in water.<br />Add sugar, salt and butter, stir until dissolved.<br />Add half the flour, beat until smooth with a spoon.<br />And remaining flour (enough to make soft dough).<br />Turn on to floured surface.<br />Knead 8-10 minutes (it will seem like a long time...but it's worth it.)<br />Place in greased bowl.<br />Cover and allow to rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 1 1/2 hours).<br />Punch dough down and allow to rise for another 30 min.<br />Divide into 4 parts.<br />Put in greased loaf pans and allow to rise until doubled (about 30 min).<br />Put in 350 degree preheated oven for 30 min or until nicely browned.<br />ENJOY!!!!<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wjYeFVcBHHY/T9_PJpGlpgI/AAAAAAAAAPE/5R7RL5Yc0l8/s1600/DSCF8019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wjYeFVcBHHY/T9_PJpGlpgI/AAAAAAAAAPE/5R7RL5Yc0l8/s320/DSCF8019.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><em>"Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God."&nbsp; Matthew 4:4</em>Christie S.E. Blackwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13921171697698275818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995745913329987185.post-84140573452639115952012-04-17T21:34:00.004-04:002012-04-17T21:34:57.264-04:00Diaper Bag? Check!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FNGHzTPGI_M/T44Z_0vi2-I/AAAAAAAAANM/yfA4eDLuoao/s1600/DSCF7108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FNGHzTPGI_M/T44Z_0vi2-I/AAAAAAAAANM/yfA4eDLuoao/s320/DSCF7108.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Yesterday, while preparing for a little road trip, our two oldest boys were running around the house with little "lists" (scribbles on a couple of old note pads) and pens in hand, making sure we had everything covered; it sounded a little like this:<br />"Shoes? (a scurry to find the Backyardigan shoes) Check!"<br />"Sweaters? Check!"<br />"Baby Andrew? (a pat on the head to little brother sitting in the infant seat) Check!"<br />"Diaper Bag? Check!"<br />This continued all the way out the door and to the car...<br />"Keys? Check!"<br />"Grass? (they got a little distracted by the garden) Check!"<br /><br />Maybe they get it from me.&nbsp; I make my own list every morning and the rest of my day is pretty well spent trying to draw lines through items on my list.<br /><br /><strike>tidy kitchen</strike><br /><strike>laundry</strike><br /><strike>read Bible </strike><br /><strike>lunch prep</strike><br /><strike>dinner prep</strike><br /><strike>spend quality time with boys</strike><br /><strike>clean bathroom upstairs</strike><br /><strike>clean bathroom downstairs</strike><br /><strike>check email</strike><br /><strike>clean boys closet</strike><br /><strike>homework</strike><br />etc., etc.,<br /><br />I think sometimes I put Jesus on the list.&nbsp;<br />Pray? Check!<br />Acknowledge His presence? Check!<br /><br />And then I go on about my day, satisfied that I completed the task...<br /><br />But listen to what John 15:5 says;<br /><br /><i>"I am the vine, you are the branches.</i><br /><i>If a man remains in Me and I in him,</i><br /><i>He will bear much fruit.</i><br /><i>Apart from me, you can do nothing."</i><br /><br />I'm trying to learn how to remain in Jesus.&nbsp;<br />Am I remaining in Him when I answer the constant "Mooooom? Maaaama?"<br />Am I remaining in Him when I fold yet one more basket of laundry?<br />Am I remaining in Him when I clean up another potty accident?<br />Am I remaining in Him when I splatter chocolate batter all over my kitchen?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.ccel.org/ccel/lawrence/practice.iii.iv.html">Brother Lawrence</a>, a lay brother in a Carmelite monastery in Paris in the 1600's said;<br /><br /><i>“The time of business...does not with me differ from the time of prayer; and in the noise and clutter of my kitchen, while several persons are at the same time calling for different things, I possess GOD in as great tranquillity as if I were upon my knees at the Blessed Sacrament.”&nbsp;</i><br /><br />Remaining in Jesus is for every part of my life.&nbsp; I can't just "check" Him off and then leave Him there.&nbsp; If I expect to bear any eternal fruit, I must remain in Him...make a practice of acknowledging His presence in all moments. <br /><i> </i><br /><i>I pray you find Him close today...</i><br /><i><br /></i><br /><br />Christie S.E. Blackwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13921171697698275818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995745913329987185.post-41127532288368923222012-03-20T21:41:00.000-04:002012-03-20T21:41:28.452-04:00Molassas<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ij2qbuFsvQw/T2kspFDkPOI/AAAAAAAAAM0/Hk9uDi70x4g/s1600/cupboards+%282%29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ij2qbuFsvQw/T2kspFDkPOI/AAAAAAAAAM0/Hk9uDi70x4g/s200/cupboards+%282%29.jpg" width="150" /></a>No, this is not a post about one of my boys dripping in sticky molasses...I pray fervently that doesn't happen. &nbsp;:) <br />This is about sticky molasses though - making a mess in my cupboard.<br />I was packing things into my cupboards a few days ago after picking up the groceries. &nbsp;I tried to move the molasses and it wouldn't budge. &nbsp;It was stuck in it's own drippings. &nbsp;Whoops. <br />I love the stuff. &nbsp;When I was pregnant with my last baby, I think I had bread with &nbsp;butter and the sugary goodness every night before I went to bed - along with cheese and pickles. <br />Anyway, back to filling my cupboards...I was complaining to myself about needing to clean these cupboards and find a better storage solution for said "lassy" when I was overwhelmed with gratitude for my full, albeit sticky, cupboards. &nbsp;I thought of moms in other countries, even our own country, who may be looking at almost bare cupboards. <br />Nothing to make for dinner. <br />Nothing to feed her children.<br /><br />Forgive us Lord for forgetting.<br /><br />We've been<i> meaning</i> to sponsor another child for months now. <br />We decided when we had our first baby that we would sponsor a little one from another country for every baby we have. &nbsp;We have been delighted to have Rutendo, a little girl from Zimbabwe and Wexlex, a little guy from Guatemala be a part of our lives. &nbsp;<br />Our youngest son is 8 months old now and we haven't gotten around yet to sponsoring another.<br />&nbsp;Life happens.<br /><br />I fold and fold and fold our boys clothes and I forget that there's a little boy somewhere with no clothes to fold. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cnZBzb95-qM/T1bAB5m1wGI/AAAAAAAAALk/TVV6GeAYYuk/s1600/DSCF7686.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cnZBzb95-qM/T1bAB5m1wGI/AAAAAAAAALk/TVV6GeAYYuk/s200/DSCF7686.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>I put cups of milk and plates of bread and bowls of fruit on our table and forget that there's a mother with nothing to put in bowls for her babies.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IGbsPsexlaI/T2kwNuak4aI/AAAAAAAAANE/_iZciRczGbk/s1600/DSCF8559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IGbsPsexlaI/T2kwNuak4aI/AAAAAAAAANE/_iZciRczGbk/s200/DSCF8559.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />I fill up my boys water-guns with clean cold water a zillion times a day and forget that there are some boys who have only muddy, bacteria-infested water to drink.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K2TFkoYC1H4/TnPh4RlCXVI/AAAAAAAAAKE/tmdWOgvPiqA/s1600/DSCF7970.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K2TFkoYC1H4/TnPh4RlCXVI/AAAAAAAAAKE/tmdWOgvPiqA/s200/DSCF7970.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br /><br />Forgive me Lord for forgetting.<br /><br />1 Timothy&nbsp;6: 17-19 says,<br /><i>"Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. <u><b>Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.</b></u> In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life."</i><br /><i><br /></i><br />I wouldn't call myself rich, maybe you wouldn't call yourself rich either.&nbsp;<br />However, the food in my cupboards,<br />clothes in my laundry basket,<br />car in my garage,<br />toys on my living room floor,<br />glowing lamp in the corner and<br />clean water coming out of my faucet -<br />most definitely makes me rich to the young gaunt mom in the mud hut<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; or the teenager trying to wash car windows in the city<br />or the feeble elderly gentleman in a house with no heat<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; or the little baby lying on a cold floor in the orphanage<br />or a neighbor who's having a hard time making ends meet... <br /><br />Help us not to forget Lord<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; and help us to take action. <br /><br />Thank you Molasses for reminding me to do good, be rich in good deeds and to be generous and willing to share and to<i> take hold of the life that is truly life. </i>Christie S.E. Blackwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13921171697698275818noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995745913329987185.post-8161789101883463142012-03-14T20:52:00.001-04:002012-03-14T20:52:52.487-04:00Promises<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fcmsv0qjh8Q/T2E9EOXTCjI/AAAAAAAAAMk/KCvDHeryuug/s1600/DSCF7854.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fcmsv0qjh8Q/T2E9EOXTCjI/AAAAAAAAAMk/KCvDHeryuug/s320/DSCF7854.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Read some great promises today...<br /><div><br /></div><div>Psalm 1:1-3</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Blessed is the one...<br /><div>whose delight is in the law of the LORD,<br />and who meditates on his law </div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>day and night. <br /><div>That person is like </div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>a tree planted by streams of water,<br />which yields its fruit in season<br /><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>and whose leaf does not wither—<br />whatever they do prospers.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Thinking about God's words through the day brings me...</div><div>steadiness</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>fruitfulness</div><div>vitality and life</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>prosperity.</div><div><br /></div><div>Great promises. </div>Christie S.E. Blackwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13921171697698275818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995745913329987185.post-76829298774132539672012-03-13T20:57:00.002-04:002012-03-13T21:25:20.490-04:00Spring is in the Air!<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6PRM6zg1Fn8/T1_zcbWl53I/AAAAAAAAAMU/dotXAkOtWFo/s1600/DSCF7781.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6PRM6zg1Fn8/T1_zcbWl53I/AAAAAAAAAMU/dotXAkOtWFo/s320/DSCF7781.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719557721488222066" /></a><br />Today, me and the kidlets took a beautiful, long (mostly because I was lost for twenty minutes) drive in the country. The farmer's fields are still pretty brown. The trees are still pretty bare. And, the lake is still pretty covered in ice. However, spring is most definitely in the air. The signs are starting to peek out. My boys no longer leave the house in 13 layers. I no longer don a scarf. My husband no longer wears a coat - oh wait - he never wears a coat (yeah, ask him about the time he was pushing his little car out of a ditch in the middle of a blizzard - WITH A T-SHIRT ON!).<div style="font-style: normal; ">As I was enjoying the scenery and the warm sun streaming into the mini-van, along with the static-y classical music playing on the radio - I just had the overwhelming sense of gratitude that</div><div style="font-style: normal; ">God is in charge.</div><div style="font-style: normal; ">Me and my little ol' self may think I control schedules and feeding times and cleaning times and t.v. time but thank goodness, it's not me who controls the seasons. It's not me who makes the earth spin on a perfect axis. It is not me who holds life in hands. It is God. </div><div style="font-style: normal; ">All powerful.</div><div style="font-style: normal; ">All faithful.</div><div style="font-style: normal; ">All loving.</div><div style="font-style: normal; ">Thank you God for your seasons.</div><div style="font-style: normal; ">Thank you that we can count on Spring coming because You're in charge.</div><div style="font-style: normal; ">What a relief!</div><br /><i>"He spreads out the northern skies over empty space; he suspends the earth over nothing. He wraps up the waters in his clouds, yet the clouds do not burst under their weight. He covers the face of the full moon, spreading his clouds over it. The pillars of the heavens quake, aghast at his rebuke. By his power he churned up the sea.... By his breath the skies become fair.... And these are but the outer fringe of his works; how faint the whisper we hear of him! How then can we understand the thunder of his power?"</i><span style="font-style: normal; "> (Job 26:7-9, 11-14)</span>Christie S.E. Blackwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13921171697698275818noreply@blogger.com0